MET Gala 2014

Dita Von Teese (in Zac Posen) and designer Zac Posen dance on the red carpet in front of the MET steps. Image GETTY IMAGES

In the fashion world, it seems like an almost magical time when the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Anna Wintour Costume Centre (formerly the Costume Institute), hosts it’s annual fundraiser- the Costume Institute Gala (commonly called the MET Ball or the MET Gala). This event is one of the most exclusive and highly regarded social outings in New York, and one of the biggest fundraising nights of the city (2013’s event raised a reported 9 million dollars). Since it’s inception in 1971, the MET Ball is considered to be the fashion industry’s premier red carpet event.

Selfie on the MET steps: model Rosie Huntington-Whitely (in Balmain) and Olivier Rousteing, head designer of Balmain. Image EAGLEPRESS/FACEBOOK

The event is overseen by fashion powerhouse Anna Wintour, who manages both the benefit committee and guest list, which always includes illustrious leaders from the worlds of fashion, art, business and entertainment. Each year the event has a theme, corresponding and celebrating the opening of the Institute’s annual fashion exhibit. This year’s theme being Charles James: Beyond Fashion, a retrospective on legendary British-American couturier Charles James.

Sarah Jessica Parker wore this Oscar de la Renta gown, bearing the designer’s signature on the train. Image LARRY BUSACCA/GETTY IMAGES

Now, in case you’re wondering why I referred to the Met Gala’s opening as “magical”, its because the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event seems like an early Christmas to me! I love it. The city is teeming with designers, models, artists, photographers- literally the who’s- who of the fashion crowd. Beautiful photo spreads themed around the event start appearing online and in print, along with articles galore about the upcoming exhibition and party.

Anticipation!

I’m so excited! ‘A Day Before MET Gala’ by photographer Cass Bird, features models Xiao Wen Ju, Tilda Lindstam, Grace Mahary, Alana Zimmer and Hanne Gaby Odiele. The gowns are courtesy Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Jason Wu, Reem Acra, Giles, Monique Lhuillier and Prabal Gurung. Image HAUTE COUTURE WEEK/CASS BIRD/FACEBOOK

Then comes the red-carpet event itself! This year, with the theme focusing on the highly-structured aesthetic of Charles James- the man credited by Chrisitan Dior for inspiring 1947’s iconic “New Look”- the attendees came out in their elaborate best (some of them).

Karolina Kurkova in a sculptured floral gown by Marchesa. Image W MAGAZINE/FACEBOOK

‘Drama’ is the word that best describes the style worn on the red carpet. Sculptured silhouettes, elaborate construction, wild florals (it IS Spring!), bold colour combinations and unexpected details (re:Sarah Jessica Parker’s look, Joan Small’s makeup) were all seen on the MET steps. Since this is an costume Instutute Gala, the attendees usually go all- out with their looks, and I love seeing them pull out the stops for the occasion.

Vera Wang and model Joan Smalls (in Vera Wang) on the red carpet. Image GETTY

However, it should be noted that there is a very fine line between ‘costume’ and ‘crazy,’ and with couture basically being the dress code, attendees have to remember to toe that line very carefully. Overall, this year was a good one. True, although a few people got it wrong (why Lupita?! WHYYY), most people brought out their very best for this event. Hell, even Kim Kardashian looked passable!

Like my fashion king- Kaiser Karl, I like to look forward, so I’m already anticipating the looks at the 2015 MET Ball. With what I’ve seen from this year’s looks, I’ll have a lot to look forward to!

Actress Emmy Rossum wore this floral Carolina Herriera gown to the MET Gala. Image GETTY

The 2014 MET Gala was everything fierce.

Writing this post was like watching fashion porn for me. I loved it!

Models Arizona Dunn (in Ralph Lauren) and Liu Wen (in Zac Posen) pose in front of a giant floral sculpture at the entrance to the MET museum. Image VOGUE

P.S. I’ll be writing a post about the Metropolitan Museum’s 2014 fashion exhibit Charles James: Beyond Fashion very soon, so stay tuned!

xx Ana